Chief of Party

Lutheran World Relief

Details / requirements:

Chief of Party - Nepal Agricultural Inputs and Market Systems Activity

In anticipation of a new multi-year USAID Nepal Agricultural Inputs and Market Systems Activity, Lutheran World Relief is seeking a Chief of Party.

Corus International is a family of organizations which believes that those who were born into impossible circumstances deserve the opportunity for a better life. Corus was formed through the strategic merger of IMA World Health (operating as a public health organization since 1960), and Lutheran World Relief (operating as a livelihoods organization since 1945), and today includes the smaller entities of Charlie Goldsmith Associates, Ground Up Investing, and Farmers Market Coffee. Corus International works in over 20 countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, with a primary focus on health, livelihoods, and emergency response.

Corus International’s country portfolio in Nepal has worked alongside the Nepal government, donors, and a variety of local and international partners since 2009. Programs reach marginalized communities through market systems facilitation, agriculture, food security, livelihoods, enterprise development, and disaster risk reduction activities. The portfolio includes a focus on both sustainable development and humanitarian assistance activities and operates out of Kathmandu. 

Based in Kathmandu, the Chief of Party (COP) will provide overall technical leadership and operational oversight for the anticipated “Agricultural Inputs and Market Systems Activity,” which is expected to: 1) develop a demand- and supply-responsive and financially viable seed system; 2) improve the soil fertility management and fertilizer distribution system; 3) enhance climate adaptive and sustainable water management systems; and 4) increase the adoption of modern agricultural equipment. The COP will serve as the primary liaison with USAID, other Development Partners working in Nepal, and Corus International’s headquarters based in Baltimore/Washington, DC (HQ), as well as relevant project stakeholders fostering collaborative working relationships. S/he will ensure the project's goals, objectives, and strategy are achieved and that contractual requirements are met on time and within budget. S/he is responsible for directing the project team with an integrated vision, applying effective leadership and strategic planning skills, management experience, outstanding interpersonal skills, and strong written and oral communication skills. The COP also is responsible for ensuring compliance with Corus’s policies and procedures and USAID rules and regulations, including responsibility for ensuring sub-awardee compliance and monitoring the quality of program implementation.

Actual hiring is contingent upon signed agreement and USAID approval.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Provide overall management, strategic direction, and technical leadership to the project to achieve expected project results within budget and timeframe
  • Serve as principal liaison to USAID and the Government of Nepal, ensuring high levels of coordination, while nurturing relationships with all key stakeholders (including partner organizations at the national and subnational level) on administrative, financial, and programmatic matters related to the project
  • Liaise with USAID partners and other donors, as well as implementing partners and stakeholders, to ensure coordination of and harmonization with other relevant agriculture,
  • market systems, economic growth, private sector engagement, and Feed the Future activities in Nepal 
  • Lead project teams (e.g. technical, program, finance, and operational staff) to ensure program tasks, deliverables, and responsibilities are met; staff management includes hiring, supervising, and mentoring project staff 
  • Oversee project deliverables, including ensuring report preparation and high-quality timely submission, and ensuring cross-cutting issues are effectively integrated into project implementation
  • Direct preparation of annual work plans, project activity updates, and other project-related communication and reporting materials
  • Represent the USAID project in all technical, policy, and programmatic fora at all levels (regional, national, and international)
  • Ensure compliance with USAID rules and regulations

Qualifications:

  • Advanced graduate degree in agricultural economics, business administration, international development, governance, or related field
  • Minimum of 10 years of professional experience, with progressively increasing responsibilities and duties in a field related to the successful implementation of the project, such as agriculture, agribusiness, market systems development, value chain development, and/or private sector capacity building for improvement of market systems
  • Proven technical expertise using market systems and facilitation approaches to strengthen agricultural value chains and agricultural inputs, including at least eight years of senior-level management experience working on international donor agency-funded projects
  • Familiarity with USAID’s approaches to market systems, agricultural inputs (seeds, fertilizer, irrigation, and agricultural equipment) in Nepal, and/or small/medium enterprise development approaches in support of such development
  • Demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining strong relationships with government agencies, international donor agencies (USAID, WB, FCDO, UN agencies, GF, etc.), and private sector stakeholders
  • Experience collaborating and coordinating with local and national host government agencies, and aligning program activities and results with national strategies
  • Demonstrated leadership qualities, including technical, management, and evaluation expertise for complex programs in resource-constrained countries; prior experience as a COP for USAID-funded projects over $5 million is required
  • Knowledge of and experience with USAID rules and regulations required
  • Deep knowledge of the political, social, and economic context of Nepal required, with experience working in Nepal preferred
  • Strong staff supervision skills and demonstrated ability to coordinate programs with partners from a broad range of backgrounds and experiences; demonstrated ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams
  • Strong communication skills, including both written and oral presentation skills; proven ability to develop and communicate a common vision among diverse public and private partners 
  • English fluency with professional proficiency in writing required; knowledge of Nepali is an asset
  • Willingness and ability to travel to project sites in Nepal

Based on the final solicitation for this opportunity and target geographic areas, this position will be based in Kathmandu. The role can be negotiated as an accompanied post for families.

To apply, please go to: Nepal Ag Inputs COP and follow the instructions for applying online.

LWR/Corus International is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). As such, Corus makes employment decisions and provides equal employment opportunity without regard to an applicant's or employee's race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state, and local laws. If you need a reasonable accommodation in the application or hiring process, please notify Corus's Human Resources department.

Job Overview

Category Development and Project
Openings 1
Position Type Contract
Experience 10+ years
Education Please check vacancy details
Posted Date 06 May, 2021
Apply Before 12 May, 2021
City Kathmandu